Keep up to date
Keep up to date with all things Trade Classics, along with new cars.
Closed Auction- Unsold

1972 Volkswagen Beetle 1300

This auction has now closed - click 'Register Similar' below to get notified when we consign a similar vehicle.

  • Mileage~29,028 on clock
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine1.3-litre
  • LocationWoking, Surrey

AUCTION CLOSED

1972 Volkswagen Beetle 1300

Register interest for similar cars

Introduction

Dom Ginn
Professional Consigner

An icon of charm and simplicity, loved the world over for its unmistakable design and cheerful character.

The Volkswagen Beetle 1300 stands as one of the most recognisable and beloved cars ever produced, a true icon that helped define generations of motoring. Its unmistakable rounded shape, friendly demeanour, and air-cooled simplicity made it a global success story — a car that was as practical as it was full of character.

By the early 1970s, Volkswagen had refined the Beetle into a well-sorted, reliable classic that remained faithful to its roots while benefiting from decades of subtle engineering improvements.

The 1300 model offered an ideal balance between performance and economy, powered by the dependable 1.3-litre flat-four engine that delivered a lively yet smooth driving experience. Easy to maintain, endlessly durable, and surprisingly enjoyable to drive, the Beetle 1300 continues to charm enthusiasts around the world.

This example is a car that has evolved over time without moving too far away from its classic roots. Restorative works were completed over the course of ~5 years by its previous owner who carried out a full 'nut and bolt' review of the components. Included with the final sale, is the photo book and folder of receipts and restoration pictures documenting the process.

Most recently, new tyres were replaced, brakes updated, servicing completed and clutch work actioned in its current ownership.

It's clear to see that this VW has really been looked after, especially over recent years.

This listing was written from information supplied by Dom after meeting Laura the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

A car I've so proud to own - it's a head turner for sure and always puts a smile on my face!

Laura, the current owner, describes her VW Beetle as both “a joy and a privilege,” saying that every drive just feels so nostalgic, “From the moment you turn the key and hear that distinctive engine come to life, it's just lovely. It’s not just a car – it’s a piece of motoring history to me”.

With its restoration completed in prior years, the VW is a smart looking car on the road that still goes well, “It always attracts attention wherever I go. People wave, smile, and come up to share their own Beetle stories – it’s amazing how many memories this little car brings out in people”.

Laura lets us know that her beloved Beetle needs to find a new home, saying "Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end, so I'm looking to trade up for something a little newer and reluctantly need to let this one go”.

Should you have any questions about the car, Laura would be happy to answer them in the comments section below.

Laura
Vehicle Owner

Ask Questions

CONTACT OWNER

Exterior

Timeless shape, gleaming chrome details, and cheerful appearance make it instantly recognisable - a true classic that never fails to turn heads wherever it goes.

Wheels and Tyres

The Beetle is equipped with a good set of steel 15" wheels with lovely chromed centre sections and VW stamps on all four corners of the car.

There were a few signs of corrosion to the rims, mainly on the inside edges of the wheels which may benefit from some restorative work at a later date.

The VW is fitted with Vredestein Sprint Classic tyres with date codes from 2020 having been replaced in May 2021.

Please take a look at the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior of this VW and a closer look at the wheels and tyres.

Bodywork

Having been restored over the course of ~5 years by its previous owner in its later life, the bodywork of the Beetle shows in nice condition overall for its age. The shut lines look good and both doors, bonnet and front boot open and close well.

We noted no major issues with the bodywork, although there was signs of slight corrosion to the underside and areas of the panel joins which showed bubbling under the surface.

Please take the time to look through all the media files for a detailed view at what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

Finished in a great coat of Marina Blue, the exterior of the car stands out well. Looking around the car, overall the paint showed nicely.

There were a few areas which reflected its ~53 years on the road though, the rear drivers side quarter panel had paint bubbling, there was corrosion and marking to the top edge of the driver and passenger door and notes of cracking to the rear finish of the lower part of the engine bay. There were small marks on the roof and the bonnet edge, although not too concerning.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these high resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

Windscreen section, side windows and mirrors all appear in lovely condition and we could see no major signs of scratching or chips on the glass.

Badges and emblems are well presented and all correct.

The chrome work for the handles and trim down the side panelling all look smart and present well, as do the bumpers.

The headlights and indicators are free from any major chips, as are the rear lights. The chrome work for these areas is in good condition, just a few signs of pitting.

Roof lining inside the cabin looks in smart condition and we noted no signs of rips or tears to this area.

The sunvisor clips had broken, which is why these parts are propped up on the rear view mirror in the gallery images.

Take a look through the gallery section and review videos. We take you across all areas of the car as if you were standing there yourself. This way, you can see in greater detail how the car is presented.

Interior

Inside the cabin you’re greeted by pure retro charm - it's simple yet iconic setup combines classic styling with timeless functionality.

Seats and Carpets

Both the driver and passenger seats are in great shape and offer a good amount of support and comfort out on a journey. The back of the front seats showed in good condition with minimal wear or damage to these areas.

Rear seating section showed the same good level of quality as reflected in the front seats.

Carpets look good in the cabin area with very little signs of wear, given these have been replaced in 2020. The passenger side VW branded carpet was a nice touch here.

The front boot had an interior black lining fitted, although this had hardened over time. Simple and effective here, but possibly worth considering a replacement lining.

We've captured high-resolution photos and a full interior video tour through the car. This covers off the angles inside the car for you to review and appreciate what's on offer here in our interior review section.

Dashboard

The Marina Blue body-matched dash appears in great shape with no cracks or scratches to report. Mileage counter showed with ~29,028 miles at the time of our visit.

The straight-forward display area of the dials and gauges show really well, with clean and clear visuals.

Our interior gallery section takes you over some closer images of the VW dash, head over and see the car's interior in finer detail.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The lovely steering wheel was showing really well and didn't have any real issues.

A simple setup is in place on the gearstick and drive area, consistent with the overall nostalgia feel of the cabin area.

We've captured high-resolution photos for you to review and appreciate the condition of the interior in our gallery section.

Mechanics

With its distinctive hum and effortless drivability, the classic 1.3L air-cooled flat-four engine delivers a smooth and engaging experience.

Engine and Gearbox

The VW started up well on our visit with no issues that we observed from the engine's function or operation.

We took the car out on local roads to get a better feel for its performance. Through the drive, we shifted through the gears, saw how the car handles and noted no concerning issues with performance. It was great to see the Beetle running well, even after ~53 years on the road.

Take a look at the car and engine section which we've highlighted in the cold start section of the mechanical review video.

Suspension and Brakes

We noted no knocks, bangs or other issues from the suspension when we were on the road, and it gave us no concerns in its performance or handling.

The brakes felt to have no pull or vibrations that stood out to us when on the journey, and brought the car to a stop without a problem and with the kind of stopping power you'd expect. The front and rear brakes had works carried out in May 2021, where the drums, shoes and cylinders were changed.

Please take a look over the mechanical videos and photographs to see close-up images from under the VW.

The Drive

Sitting inside the Beetle feels like a great place to be; comfortable and classic - the drive out on our journey was a lovely experience.

The ride in the VW was forgiving and not too rigid, where the car functioned well and without concern.

Please take a moment to view the On-the-Road video to see the car starting up and being driven around the local area.

Electrics and Other

With a relatively simple setup, there were limited aspects for us to review although we had no concerns with what we saw.

The current owner Laura, told us that she has had no issues with the electrical elements on the car.

During our time with the vehicle we noted that all switches, dials, and gauges appear undamaged and are in great condition overall.

History and Paperwork

With no modifications and a smart level of restoration, this Beetle is a very lovely VW - and something a little special.

The Beetle has been well loved over its ~53 years on the road. With low ownership for its age, Laura, the current keeper, is the 6th person to own the car having enjoyed the VW for the past ~5 years.

The previous owner was a VW enthusiast and classic car restorer who carried out restorative works over the course of ~5 years between 2014 and 2019. Through the works, restoration of all components was completed and included with the final sale, is the photo book and folder of receipts and restoration pictures documenting the process.

Most recently, new tyres were replaced, brakes updated, servicing completed and clutch work actioned in its current ownership.

We cover the history of the VW in our paperwork gallery. Take a look over the previous records and MOT certificates to see more behind the Beetle.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment on the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
28.05.2020 MOT 26,481
Key Details
  • ModelBeetle 1300
  • TransmissionManual
  • Reg. Date01.08.1972
  • CC1,285cc
  • Mileage~29,028
  • ColourMarina Blue
  • Interior ColourBlue Basket Weave
  • Interior TrimVinyl
  • Matching #sYes
  • RestoredYes
  • MOTExp 27/05/2021
  • MOT ExemptYes
  • Road Tax ExemptYes
  • HPi ClearYes - All Clear
  • Former Keepers5
  • Tyre BrandVredestein
  • Tyre Age2020
  • # of Keys2
  • LHD or RHDRHD
  • VisitedYes
  • Sale TypePrivate
  • Owned~5 Years
  • Key FeatureNice Example
  • Vehicle RegistrationMEA 138L
  • Fuel TypePetrol
  • Auction ID3236






Auction Closed

Register your interest for similar cars.

This car didn't meet its reserve price and may soon be available as a private sale - please contact us for more information.

REGISTER SIMILAR
Ask Questions
Post a comment or ask the owner a question about the car.
11 Comments
brewsy
brewsy
9 days ago

Hello to Laura and all the potential bidders.
Just want to strongly suggest that the next owner has a look at the fuel filter that’s currently installed in the engine bay.
Whilst having a fuel filter is a very sensible thing on an old car, Beetles under bonnet temperatures can get pretty hot and those plastic style filters can be affected. When (not if) they start to leak you can imagine the fire safety issues they cause. You should have the filter relocated to either just above the gearbox or under the petrol tank.

Regards,
Brewsy

paulus
paulus
16 days ago

Thank you Laura. I’ve never done this kind of thing before and am a little out of my depth – can you tell me how much you would like for the car?

ColinB
ColinB
Admin
  paulus
16 days ago

Hi Paulus,

All our cars have a reserve set on them, we are not able to divulge this however.

Thanks,
Colin.

paulus
paulus
  ColinB
16 days ago

Thank you Colin
I have never taken part in an auction before, and I do not have a smart phone.
Will the car be sold on the day of auction, i.e. will I have to be on-line to bid for it?

ColinB
ColinB
Admin
  paulus
16 days ago

No problem, our auctions are completely online, this one ends next Thursday (6th) at 7:20pm, all bidding takes place online. If a bid is placed within the last minute of the auction 2 minutes are added on to the auction.

You can find out more about how it works here:

https://www.tradeclassics.com/buy-a-classic-car/

Hope this helps.

Thanks,
Colin.

paulus
paulus
  ColinB
16 days ago

Thank you Colin – I will do my ‘homework’ and have a stab at buying the car next Thursday.
I appreciate that you are not allowed to tell me the reserve, but in your professional opinion, due you think that £12,000 will buy it?
paul h

ColinB
ColinB
Admin
  paulus
16 days ago

Hi Paul,

I couldn’t say unfortunately, but if it doesn’t meet reserve the highest bidder gets first refusal on a post auction deal.

Thanks,
Colin.

paulus
paulus
17 days ago

When was the car last driven?

yogi
yogi
24 days ago

How long have owned car

MORE COMMENTS MORE COMMENTS

Vehicle Location

Woking, Surrey

Delivery Calculator


Thank You


Form Submitted

Your request has been submitted successfully and we'll keep you updated.